Tropical Cyclone Chido Strikes Mozambique: Urgent Response Required
Tropical Cyclone Chido struck Mozambique on December 15, 2023, impacting areas of Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces with winds of up to 250 km/h and heavy rainfall. Preliminary estimates suggest up to 2.5 million could be affected, prompting urgent response measures from humanitarian organizations. Significant risk of flooding and landslides is anticipated as assessments are initiated.
On December 15, 2023, Tropical Cyclone Chido made landfall in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique, classified as a very intense category 4 cyclone with winds reaching 200 km/h and gusts up to 250 km/h. The onset of damaging winds and substantial rainfall began around 3 AM local time, and forecasts indicated rainfall between 250 mm within 24 hours accompanied by gusts potentially hitting 260 km/h in multiple districts across Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces. The cyclone’s destructive force is expected to result in significant damage and flooding, which may exacerbate landslides and storm surges along shorelines and inland regions. Currently, communication infrastructure in Pemba is compromised, though power remains operational in several locations. The application for a DREF (Disaster Relief Emergency Fund) has been submitted to initiate response measures in the hardest-hit areas as needs assessments are underway. Preliminary estimates suggest that up to 2.5 million people may have been impacted by Cyclone Chido, with Cabo Delgado Province’s most affected districts including Ancuabe, Balama, and Pemba city, impacting approximately 1.5 million individuals. In Nampula Province, districts such as Memba, Nacala, and the city itself could affect around 730,000 people, while Niassa Province may see an exposure of 215,000 citizens in areas including Cuamba and Marrupa. With information still emerging, the response entities are urged to assess and address the urgent needs of affected populations promptly.
Cyclone Chido has been classified as one of the more intense tropical cyclones to impact Mozambique in recent years, particularly affecting the coastal and inland regions of Cabo Delgado and Nampula. These areas are frequently vulnerable to severe weather due to their geographical location, which makes them susceptible to the effects of tropical storms and cyclones. The cyclone’s arrival during the early hours of December 15 heightened concerns for the safety and well-being of residents in its path, given its destructive winds and substantial precipitation. The Mozambique National Meteorological Institute (INAM) had previously advised of impending severe weather conditions, predicting heavy rainfall rates and strong wind gusts throughout multiple districts, setting the stage for major humanitarian challenges in the aftermath.
In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Chido has severely impacted Mozambique, particularly in Cabo Delgado and Nampula Provinces, with forecasts predicting extensive damage along with flooding and landslides. With initial estimates indicating that approximately 2.5 million people could be affected, response efforts are crucial to mitigating the situation. As information continues to become available and assessments progress, humanitarian organizations are preparing to respond effectively to the emerging needs of the affected populations. Immediate action is imperative to address the aftermath of this disastrous weather event and aid recovery efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
